2023.08 : Quackers. Uphill.
A Magical Place Circa 2021
— Albert EinsteinI am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world.
EXT. – CAR
ROBIN
You’ve never been out here?
TOM
Never. For those of us who live in the middle-no-where this is our middle-of-nowhere.
ROBIN
Whatcha ya do last night?
TOM
Watched Asia & BJ latest’s review.
ROBIN
Aren’t they the most adorable couple? Enviable even.
TOM
Even more so watching them watch Forrest Gump.
ROBIN, TOM
“I’m not a smart man. But I KNOW what love is.”
TOM
Gets me every single time. You know what makes it so tragic?
ROBIN
Watching Jenny crush Forrest.
TOM
Yes but it’s also Jenny being crushed. It’s so tragic seeing Jenny’s face contort with each wave of realization. Starts off with seeing Forrest filled with love standing up for them. Followed by her now know they are more than peas and carrots. Then the soul crushing knowing that she going to break his heart. And what tears my heart is when it dawns on her she’s going to break her own heart. The horror not being able to stop because of how badly broken she is. My tears really gush the moment she swallows the jagged pill and accepts the inevitable.
ROBIN
I’m driving! I can’t see through tears.
TOM
Oh, sorry. Not on this crazy road.
INT. – HOUSE
QUACKERS
Grandpa Sam we are ready to go.
SAM
Grab your things and meet me at the car.
TIMMY
Will we arrive on time?
SAM
Yes if we leave now.
TIMMY
Race to the car.
EXT. – SAM’S HOUSE
A small abode on Main Street. The only street in town. Quackers and Timmy are at the car door waiting for Grandpa Sam to open their doors. Sam stops his progress down the patio steps.
TIMMY
Grandpa you ok?
SAM becomes dizzy. Grabs the railing. Lands hard as he collapses to the ground.
TIMMY, QUACKERS
Grandpa?!
QUACKERS
TIMMY!
Stunned. They stand motionless for a moment. Just as they run to Grandpa.
TOM
(running to assist Grandpa Sam)
Don’t move oldtimer.
SAM
I’m fine.
ROBIN
Now, now. Let me a check you.
SAM
I’m…
TOM
She’s a doctor. Best you do as she says.
SAM
Glad to meet you doc.
ROBIN
Pleasure.
(after a brief check sits Sam on the steps)
You’ll be alright. What happened?
SAM
The balance isn’t what it use to be.
QUACKERS
Hi. My name is Quackers. This is Timmy. He’s Grandpa Sam. What’s your name?
ROBIN
Robin. And this is Tom.
TIMMY
Grandpa you said we have to leave now.
ROBIN
You’re Grandpa isn’t driving anywhere today.
TIMMY, QUACKERS
But we have too!
TOM
Where were they headed?
SAM
Their aunt’s train will stop tonight and they will join her.
ROBIN
That’s nearly three hours from here.
TOM
We can get them there.
SAM
That’s nice of you young man, but…
QUACKERS
Grandpa Sam. They are they ones.
SAM
Certain?
QUACKERS
I am.
SAM
Then it’s decided.
(pulling out an envelope from his jacket)
Doc and Tom. Here’s all you’ll need.
INT. – CAR – SOME TIME LATER
ROBIN driving. Quackers riding shotgun. Tom and Timmy in the back.
TIMMY
How can we be friends?
TOM
Just because I don’t like birthday cake?
TIMMY
Who doesn’t like birthday cake?
QUACKERS
They’ve still going at it. Too funny.
ROBIN
They’re fast becoming friends.
QUACKERS
Can I ask you a personal question?
ROBIN
Sure.
QUACKERS
How do you two remain close. You like cake but he likes pie.
ROBIN
Well… he and I share something more important. It’s a rare person who comes into our lives who, without asking, fills us with a strong desire to be better. You hang on to that person.
QUACKERS
Tom feels the same way?
TOM
(between the banter from the back)
I most certainly do.
The car booms.
ROBIN
Oh no.
EXT. – TRAIN STATION
TIMMY
Auntie! Auntie! It was incredible. The car blew up. A hunter took us to where the phones worked. Help came. We made it!
AUNT
Ah… Tell me all about it on the train. Sam…? And you two are?
QUACKERS
Auntie. Robin and Tom.
AUNT
So it’s deci… Nice to meet you both. Just call me Auntie.
ROBIN
They are special.
AUNT
Yes they are. I wish we had more time to talk but train is about to leave. Thank you for getting them here.
TOM, ROBIN
Bye!
TIMMY, QUACKERS
Bye bye! See you later.
Train pulls away.
ROBIN
What just happened?
TOM
I don’t know.
TO BE CONTINUED…
For those who don’t know, Quackers was introduced here. Stay tuned because a fun little project based on that post is underway. Pie vs Cake referenced here.
And now … know the photograph.
